Block Island
Location: Sandy Point, Block Island (Block Island is 12 miles from both Rhode Island and Long Island.)
Description: Original (1867) optic: fourth order Fresnel; Current optic: Aerobeacon, flashing white light every five seconds; 50 feet; constructed of granite and iron, is the style of the Plum Island and Old Field lights.
History of light: 1829: Station established. Original lighthouse built.
1837: Due to erosion, a second lighthouse is built.
1857: A third lighthouse is built.
1867: Present lighthouse built.
1955: Automated.
1973: Deactivated.
1989: Reactivated.
Current use: Active navigational aid (Or "interpretive center" according to NPS)
The surrounding area: Surrounded by National Wildlife Refuge
Public access? Yes, except tower
Who to contact: 401-364-9124 Also: North Light Fund, PO Box 1183, Block Island, RI, 02807
Other information: First floor converted to museum
Location: Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island
Description: First order Fresnel lens (1880), was kerosene lit until 1928; Flashing green light every five seconds; 67 foot tower and attached Victorian keeper's quarters made of red brick.
History of light: 1872: Congress appropriated $75,000 for construction.
1874: Construction began. First keeper (Henry Clark) and two assistants appointed.
1875, February 1: Light first lit.
1990: Deactivated
1993: Moved 300' back
1994: Reactivated
Current use: Active navigational aid/museum
The surrounding area:
Public access? Grounds open. Museum open in summer. Tower sometimes open for tours
Who to contact: Maintained by Block Island Southeast Lighthouse Foundation 401-466-5009
Other information: Original lens, which revolved on a bed of mercury, was replaced during the 1993 move (due to toxic mercury fumes) with a first order lens from Cape Lookout Light in North Carolina. At 258 feet above sea level, this light is the highest light in New England.
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All the text, code and photographs on this page are © 1998, 1999 Robert G. (Bird) Muller. Please don't copy any text, code or photographs from this site without my written permission. Thanks for understanding and respecting my work. :-)